Martha Argerich Steinway Prize 2025 awarded to Yang (Jack) Gao

For the second time, the Martha Argerich Steinway Prize, endowed by Steinway & Sons, was presented as part of the Martha Argerich Festival in Hamburg. This year’s award went to the young pianist Yang (Jack) Gao, who impressed with his exceptional virtuosity, stylistic versatility, and artistic depth.

The award ceremony took place on June 27, 2025, in the Kleiner Saal of the Laeiszhalle — in the presence of Martha Argerich and Pierre Hellermann (Steinway & Sons). Gao performed live at the event, playing Schumann’s Piano Quartet in E-flat major, Op. 47.

Steinway Prize since Martha Argerich's 80th birthday

The Martha Argerich Steinway Prize was established in 2024 to mark the 80th birthday of Martha Argerich. The €4,000 prize is awarded to a pianist under the age of 30 and includes the opportunity to perform with the Symphoniker Hamburg. A Steinway Artist for decades, Martha Argerich remains closely connected to Steinway & Sons and personally selects the prizewinner.

Prizewinner Yang (Jack) Gao

Yang (Jack) Gao is currently studying at The Juilliard School in New York with Jerome Lowenthal and Emanuel Ax, and has already won numerous international competitions. Martha Argerich became aware of Gao in 2025 and commented:“I am deeply impressed by his profound sensitivity, his great stylistic flexibility, and his dazzling virtuosity, all of which he combines with a special openness Last year’s winner, Anton Gerzenberg both artistically and personally. These are qualities which, in this balance and combination, make him an exceptional artist.”

Last year’s winner Anton Gerzenberg

Last year’s winner, Anton Gerzenberg, will appear on March 22, 2026, at the 7th Symphony Concert with the Symphoniker Hamburg, performing Jörg Widmann’s “Trauermarsch” for Piano and Orchestra — a powerful testament to the lasting impact of the Martha Argerich Steinway Prize.

Photos: Daniel Dittus